World Footy News

The University of Canterbury Cougars are Premiers of the Canterbury AFL after defeating the Eastern Blues 7.11 (53) to 4.12 (36) on Saturday at QE11 Stadium, Christchurch.

In cold but clear conditions, the reigning premiers went into the match without star forwards James Bowden and Richard Bradley. The Blues kicked with the strong wind in the opening stanza and started brilliantly with Ross McWhinnie (1 goal) and Jason Lanyon (1 goal) providing good targets up forward. Kieran Fitzpatrick, Shaun Allison and Rano Legulau dominated the cental corridor for the Cougars, however this dominance did not register on the scoreboard, with the Blues holding a 20 point margin at the the first break.

The second quarter saw the Cougars lift, with Kieran Fitzpatrick continuing to dominate. Pat Orchard kicked three goals in this period for the Cougars and when Joseph Hendry snapped a fantastic goal mid way through the term, the Cougars looked very strong. The University men went into the main break holding an 8 point lead.

The third quarter was a tough affair with the Blues continually driving forward, though inaccuracy in front of goal meant that they managed to kick only 8 points. At the other end of the ground, the Cougars worked the ball well into the wind and scored a great goal after being awarded a 50m penalty. At the final break, the Cougars held a 6 point lead.

The final stanza saw the Cougars come home strongly with the wind and add 2 goals to the Blues' 1 goal. When Joe Mildenhall kicked truly at the 20-minute mark, the game was effectively over with the Cup heading to the University.

Final Score:

University of Cougars 7.11 (53)

Eastern Blues 4.12 (36)

Best:

Cougars: Kieran Fitzpatrick, Rano Legulau, Shaun Allison and Pat Orchard.

Blues: Jason Everson, Geoff Thomas and Craig Neil.

Umpires: George Hauiti, Alex McWhinnie

For more information, check out the NZAFL website.

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